Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, June 1, 2025 — Shandur Polo Festival 2025 is all set to kick off from June 20 to June 22 in the breathtaking valley of Upper Chitral. As Pakistan’s premier polo event, this annual festival draws thousands of tourists from across the globe to the world’s highest polo ground. With just weeks to go, the government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has intensified efforts to ensure the festival’s success.
Final Preparations Underway
In light of the official date announcement by Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Advisor for Tourism, Culture, Archaeology, and Museums, Zahid Chanzeb, has directed the immediate finalization of all festival arrangements. During a high-level meeting, he instructed the DG of the Culture and Tourism Authority to guarantee top-tier facilities for visitors, ensuring a memorable experience. In addition, he emphasized the timely completion of logistical tasks, security measures, and public conveniences in the region.
Promoting Culture and Brotherhood
Highlighting the cultural significance of the event, Zahid Chanzeb stated that the Shandur Polo Festival is more than just a sporting event — it is a vibrant reflection of the local traditions and heritage. Teams from Lower and Upper Chitral will engage in friendly yet competitive matches with their counterparts from Gilgit-Baltistan, promoting unity, sportsmanship, and brotherhood. The advisor urged that the festival’s charm and cultural appeal be highlighted in a strong promotional campaign targeting both domestic and international audiences.
Collaborations and Tourist Facilitation
To ensure seamless management, the DG of Culture and Tourism Authority confirmed coordination with the Pakistan Army, local police, Chitral Scouts, and district administrations. Their joint efforts will focus on providing maximum security, traffic management, and tourist assistance throughout the festival period.
With a significant increase in tourist turnout expected this year, authorities are leaving no stone unturned. The provincial government remains committed to using the Shandur Polo Festival 2025 as a platform to boost tourism in the region and showcase Pakistan’s cultural richness to the world.
